Common Entry or Direct Entry?

There are two ways to apply for Year 1 in NCAD.

Year 1 in NCAD: First Year Studies

First Year Studies at NCAD gives you the solid foundation that you require for entry into the variety of creative paths of study offered by the college. During First Year, all students will engage with Studio Practice, Visual Culture and Professional Practice, Joint Course Education Students do a specialist Professional Practice for Education. It is a full-time programme which runs over a five-day week (Monday - Friday).

Common Entry 

If you apply for AD101 Common Entry then you can consider it a general applciation to NCAD. You won't need to decide which Degree Pathway you'd like to follow. You can use First Year to sample the different pathways available in Art & Design. It's during your first year when you will decide which pathway you would like to choose for your degree. 

Common Entry Course Code 

  • AD101 Common Entry 

Applying for Direct Entry 

Direct Entry Applicants choose their degree pathway before they come to NCAD. 

Year 1 in NCAD is First Year Studies for all students no matter which application route they choose. This is a multidisciplinary year covering a range of areas across art and design. 

Direct Entry Course Codes

  • AD102 Graphic Design / Moving Image Design
  • AD103 Textile Surface Design
  • AD105 Applied Art
  • AD202 Education and Design / Fine Art
  • AD204 Fine Art
  • AD211 Fashion Design
  • AD212 Product Design
  • AD217 Illustration
  • AD222 Interaction Design

Do I have to choose one or the other? 

No. You can actually apply for both routes in the same year. You can apply for a number of Undergraudate Courses in NCAD in the same year. 

What about Portfolio submission

  • If you apply for an NCAD Studio Course then you will need to make a portfolio submission for it.
  • You need to make a portfolio submission for each course you apply for.
  • Your Portfolio Submission for AD101 Common Entry are reviewed by First Year Tutors.
  • Your Portfolio Submission for Direct Entry Courses are reviewed by tutors on that course.